Pell one of eight appointed to advise Pope on reforms

POPE FRANCIS has appointed Sydney's Archbishop to a permanent panel to advise on future reforms to the Catholic Church.

The Vatican issued a statement on the weekend revealing eight cardinals from across the globe had been appointed to the advisory panel.

Sydney Archbishop George Pell and other panel members will help the newly elected Pontiff implement changes within the Curia.

Cardinal Pell was appointed as the eighth archbishop of Sydney in 2001.

The Vatican said in a statement Pope Francis decided to establish the council following on from discussions that emerged during the General Congregations in the lead up to his election.

Pope Francis has already been in contact with the cardinals but the council will hold its first meeting in Rome in October.

Holy See Press Office director Father Federico Lombardi told media noted that the communiqué came exactly one month since Pope' Francis election and showed Pope Francis was listening attentively to the suggestions of the College of Cardinals - his closest collaborators.

He also noted that the Group will have no legislative power and that its main function is to "help" and "advise" the Pope. Fr. Lombardi added that the Group will not in any way interfere in the normal functions of the Roman Curia, which helps the Pope in the daily governance of the Church.